It seems everywhere we look nowadays, people are sick. You may be battling illness in your OWN household. I had to keep one of my own kids home from school today, due to fever and cough! With all these germs and cooties floating around, you may be tempted to turn to herbal supplements. Some of them can be helpful if used carefully. Here’s what you should know BEFORE you go that route:
Supplements do not have to have FDA-approval before they hit the market. A new law went into effect, but is not completely phased-in until 2010, that requires the manufacturers to list the identity, purity, strength and composition of their dietary supplements to ensure that they contain what their labels claim and are free of contaminants. READ LABELS!!
How to choose the right supplement:
*Make sure you only choose single-herb products. You should know the EXACT dosage of the herb. If it is mixed with others, there is a good chance you don’t really know what you are getting!
*Look for standardized herbal supplements. If it has the “USP Dietary Supplement Verified” seal, that means that certain standards have been met, including the testing of the product for uniformity, cleanliness and freedom from environmental contaminants, such as lead, mercury or drugs.
*If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
*Be very cautious about taking supplements from another country. They may or may not have regulations in place. You don’t know WHAT you’re getting!
When to NOT use supplements:
*If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It could be harmful to your fetus or unborn baby. ALWAYS consult with your doctor first!
*If you are using prescription or OTC medications. You could experience serious side effects from mixing medications. Discuss possible interactions with your doctor.
*If you are having surgery. Herbal supplements can reduce the effectiveness of anesthetics or have dangerous complications, such as bleeding or high blood pressure.
*If you are younger than 18 or older than 65. Older adults metabolize medications differently. And very few herbal supplements have been tested for children.
As always, consult your doctor before starting ANY new medications or supplements. If your doctor is not comfortable or knowledgeable about supplements, ask for a referral to a pharmacist or specialist who is.
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Source: Mayo Clinic.